W.T. Sherman ALS Re: Scathing Criticism of His Nephew, a "rascal…beggar and nuisance"; Along with Thoughts On Marriage

A lengthy 3pp autograph letter signed by William T. Sherman (1820-1891), the famed Civil War General then in his role as Commanding General of the U.S. Army, as "W.T. Sherman" on the third page. December 15, 1882. [Washington, D.C.] On watermarked blue-lined bifold laid paper with "Headquarters Army of the United States" letterhead. Expected wear including flattened transmittal folds and isolated edge darkening. A minor closed tear along the gutter has been partially repaired. Newspaper remnants and mounting traces are found on the blank outer leaf, which also has a former collector's pencil inscription. Else very good to near fine. 5" x 8." Accompanied by a University Archives invoice showing that this item was purchased for over $575 in May 2002.

Sherman's letter was addressed to a Milwaukee, Wisconsin businessman named D.C. Butler. It concerned a mutual acquaintance, Robert Sherman McComb (1841-1900), who was Sherman's nephew by way of elder sister Amelia Sherman McComb (1816-1862). In Sherman's opinion, his nephew was a downright scoundrel, forever asking people for money and never able to get himself together. And now the insolvent 41-year-old ne'er-do-well intended to get married! The thought of such a marriage greatly offended Sherman, who shared his thoughts on what a successful union entailed (viz., reliable financial support provided by a husband.)

With untouched spelling and punctuation, but with paragraph breaks added for clarity. Sherman wrote in full:

"Dec 15, 1882

D.C. Butler Esq -

Butler Raye Shoe Co. Milwaukee

Dear Sir,

I have yours of Dec 11 - and one of the 8th from Robt. McComb asking for $25. In his letter he talks of getting married. Unless he be very different from what he was this girl should be warned, for he has never been able to take care of himself, much less a wife.

He has no claim on me I am that he was the son of my sister Amelia - and his father was a real good man - Whereas Robt. has been erratic all his life and a burden to his family - I have helped him several times and now send him a check for $25, which you may give him, but please warn him that I myself have reached the end of my rope, and must now begin to look out for my own Grandchildren.

If he marries an honest girl, he will be a rascal + lose all claim to consideration. If be honest labor he will take care of himself, he need not be a beggar and nuisance to family + friends, and will then have some show of right to call for help in case of sickness or misfortune.

Yours truly,

W.T. Sherman."

The fate of Robert McComb after accepting his uncle's cash ($25 in 1882 was the equivalent of over $700 in 2024 currency) remains unclear, though he managed to scrape by for another two decades. Sherman's point about his grandchildren was valid; the retired general had 10 grandchildren before his death in 1891, and more would be born afterward.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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